Things You'll Need

Impervious to drought, harsh weather and heavy foot traffic, artificial turf is a grass alternative in sports arenas, golf courses and lawns all over the world. Some homeowners with pets prefer artificial turf to grass. This synthetic material provides the appearance of a lush, green lawn without having to perform typical lawn maintenance. While artificial turf does not require watering or cutting, it is not entirely maintenance-free. Artificial turf must be cleaned and disinfected regularly to kill microbes that decompose naturally on real grass.

Step 1

Brush or use a non-metal rake on the artificial turf to remove any visible debris.

Step 2

Apply a commercial antimicrobial turf cleaner according to manufacturer's directions.

Step 3

Alternatively, you can apply a bleach solution to kill mold and germs. Mix together a solution of 1 cup of chlorine bleach and a gallon of water.

Step 4

Pour the solution into the pressurized spray bottle with a hand wand attachment and apply it to the artificial turf in a side-to-side sweeping motion. Rinse well with clear water as any leftover bleach can irritate your skin as well as a pet's paws.

Tip

Regularly irrigate your artificial turf with clear water. For pet stains, use an enzymatic cleaner from a pet supply store.

Warning

Avoid using foaming or soapy cleaners on artificial turf, as they can leave behind residue that attracts dust and dirt.

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Lee Weal

Lee Weal began writing and editing online content as a corporate intranet administrator in 2000 and was also the publisher and editor of a monthly employee newsletter. Her articles specialize in children's issues and home improvement.